Chapter 246: Dominating the Saffron Gym
Kanto Region, Saffron City.
The grand Silph Co. building stood tall as the city's iconic landmark. In the northeastern corner, two distinct Gym buildings stood in opposition. The Psychic Gym and the Fighting Gym had once waged a long-standing rivalry until the emergence of the psychic prodigy, Sabrina, who single-handedly crushed the Fighting Gym. From then on, the Psychic Gym cemented its dominance.
However, Sabrina herself showed little interest in managing the Gym. Instead, her father established a Psychic Training Program, attracting aspiring trainers from all over. Since Sabrina was also a renowned actress, challengers flocked in, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Eventually, she left most of the Gym's affairs in her father's hands.
Inside the Saffron Gym's Leader Chamber, a middle-aged man sat in deep meditation. Suddenly, a familiar voice reached his ears. "No challengers today?" As he opened his eyes, a black-haired, cold-faced woman materialized in the room via Alakazam's Teleport.
"The apprentices have already turned them away," the man replied.
"Being a Gym Leader was never my intention," Sabrina leaned back, arms crossed. "I still prefer acting."
Compared to the monotonous life of a Gym Leader, she found more fulfillment in playing different roles on screen. Perhaps it was her way of making up for regrets. But for Sabrina, calling it "the guidance of fate" might be more fitting.
"With your talent, becoming an Elite Four member isn't out of the question…" her father started, then stopped, sighing helplessly. "Forget it. Keep chasing your dream. I'll always support you."
A flicker of emotion flashed in Sabrina's eyes. A childhood spent in solitude, with only Pokémon by her side. The constant fear that came with her overwhelming psychic abilities. These experiences shaped her distant personality. In a way, joining Team Rocket was her way of seeing a reflection of her father in Giovanni… In the end, she let out a quiet sigh. "I'm going outside for a bit."
A blue light flickered. Sabrina reappeared outside, casually tossing back her jet-black hair. After all these years, she had already forgiven her father. Red, the revolutionary. The reborn Team Rocket. And a certain someone, now regarded as a mentor. All of these were fresh, intriguing, and worth experiencing.
A cool, elegant smile appeared on Sabrina's flawless face as she turned toward the dojo. Blue light shimmered as Poké Balls floated around her. "Today, I will be the one accepting challenges."
Knock, knock! The doors of Saffron Gym were struck by an unexpected visitor.
The receptionist opened the door, flashing a professional smile, but suddenly froze. Looking down at a Gengar, she asked blankly, "…Where's your Trainer?"
"Gengar~" Gengar scratched its head sheepishly. Of course, if it was out job-hunting, it couldn't let its Trainer find out. It had to be a surprise! "Gengar! (oﾟ▽ﾟ)o"
After a series of excited gestures, the receptionist finally caught on. She pointed at the recruitment notice behind her. "You're saying… you're here to apply for the coach position?!"
"Gengar!" Gengar grinned widely and nodded enthusiastically.
A Pokémon that not only works part-time but also applies for jobs on its own? This Gengar is practically a legend!
The receptionist swallowed nervously. "The Psychic Gym has strict standards… It's nothing like that third-rate Fighting Gym next door, got it?"
"Gengar?"
"…Looks like you don't get it. Fine, I'll show you what our Gym is capable of!" With a confident smirk, she tossed a Poké Ball. A Hypno emerged, lazily swinging its pendulum, silently casting Hypnosis.
The commotion caught the attention of the apprentices inside. "Turning away challengers again?" "Wait, where's the Trainer?"
As the crowd whispered, they suddenly fell silent. The Hypno had not only failed to put its opponent to sleep… but had instead fallen asleep itself! A faint blue glow faded from Gengar's eyes as it lazily waved a claw. "Gengar (￣▽￣)*"
"Is there a new challenger?" From within the crowd, a tall man—Coach Atsushi—stood up. "I'll take care of this."
The growing noise irritated Sabrina. Meditation requires silence. Stretching out her hand, she used her psychic power to push the door open—only to see a black shadow hurtling through the air. A pitch-black Shadow Ball exploded, sending an Alakazam flying. Boom! The Alakazam crashed against the dojo wall and fainted.
The apprentices collectively gulped. "Coach Atsushi's Alakazam… got one-shot?"
"How is it so strong even without a Trainer?"
"And what's up with that Growlithe? It's built like a tank!"
Sabrina raised an eyebrow. Coach Atsushi, drenched in sweat, had already been forced to send out his second Pokémon.
"Gengar!" Gengar mimicked a pitcher and threw a Poké Ball. "Awoo~~!" A muscular Growlithe leaped out and tackled a Baltoy to the ground. Crack! Growlithe clamped its jaws around Baltoy's head, and a clear, ominous snapping sound echoed through the room. The apprentices' expressions grew increasingly complex. Did… did it actually break?!
With such a swift defeat, Coach Atsushi looked embarrassed, and the dojo fell silent. "Gengar!" it stood triumphantly, hands on its hips. Back in Modu City, when it bullied Tang Hui, it had already refined this battle strategy. Now, going up against the Psychic Gym was practically effortless. With this performance, securing the coach position should be no problem, right?
In the dead-silent dojo, even the usually unshaken Sabrina blinked in surprise. So today's challenger… is a Gengar?
Bang! Suddenly, the Gym's doors burst open. Everyone turned—a panting, out-of-breath Trainer stood against the sunlight. "This should count as…" Lu Ye clung to the doorframe, exhaling sharply, "…making it in time, right?"
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